United Airlines flight 2005, carrying 147 passengers and 6 crew members, diverted to Dane County Regional Airport in Madison, Wisconsin on Friday night after an unruly passenger tried to breach the cockpit door [1, 2, 3]. The flight departed Chicago O'Hare International Airport around 8 p.m. CDT and landed in Madison about 90 minutes later [3].
Air traffic control recordings and scanner audio revealed the crew discussed multiple attempts by the passenger to gain access to the cockpit. A crew member said, "I do not believe they ever cuffed him, but they were able to finally get control of him after multiple attempts to try to breach the cockpit. I believe at this point he is seated in a seat and flanked with law enforcement officers on either side." [1, 2, 3]
The passenger was detained on the ground by the Dane County Sheriff's Office, with assistance from FBI Milwaukee and local law enforcement agencies [1, 2, 3]. Five off-duty law enforcement officers aboard the flight also helped restrain the individual, according to a sheriff's office representative who said, "We're getting word that there is five off-duty law enforcement on the plane that have the individual detained." [3]
No injuries were reported among passengers or crew during the incident [1, 2]. After the passenger was removed, the flight resumed and landed safely in Minneapolis early Saturday morning [1, 2, 3].
The event caused a delay and diversion but was handled without harm to those on board. Local and federal agencies worked together to secure the situation and allow the flight to continue its original route.
